Ellen Dunnigan combines dementia care with a 360-degree home care philosophy to provide a unique option for families struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The Sollievo model is one of many unique care models that are emerging as we grapple with how to care for our elders. What I found interesting about Ellen’s approach is her keen attention on serving the seniors AND providing stress relief to the family.
How Ellen Describes Sollievo

Sollievo is a care management network for families caring for an aging parent. We provide expert answers and relief to the daughters and sons who have taken on the exhausting caregiving of a parent who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.

Typically we guide daughters who are trying to be both SuperMom and SuperDaughter, doing one job all day and then coming home in the evening to start the even tougher job.

They are stressed out, tired of being tired, and feeling guilty; consumed with trying to be the “answer” to everyone including their siblings in other states. They wish someone else could help them without getting in the way. And they need just-in-time resources to safely keep their mother or father at home longer.

Our process begins with a three-pronged assessment of the living environment, the well-being of the person diagnosed with dementia, and the burdens placed on family caregivers. We supply education and clarify expectations. We tailor strategies to make the days and nights better. Our 24/7 helpline is always answered live to address their immediate concerns. And most importantly we deliver the “just right” answers and network of services the first time, and every time.
About Ellen Dunnigan

As a strategist healthcare product development, and a Speech-Language Pathologist, Ellen Dunnigan has produced several healthcare product lines including Alzheimer’s care, Geri-psych programs, diabetes care, traumatic brain injury programs, and others. She has developed a balanced model of Alzheimer’s care for the long-term care segment which guides caregivers to exceptional results in patient care and meaningful resident days. Additionally, she has initiated a first-of-its-kind community model for the coordinated care of families caring for an aging parent diagnosed with dementia.

Ellen has a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology, certification in gerontology and case management. She is the author of several best practice clinical and operational methods in Alzheimer’s care and speaks internationally. She founded Alzheimer’s Care Group in 2002 and has grown it to a nationwide consulting firm specializing in healthcare strategy. Alzheimer’s Care Group has five associates and operates in care settings in 30 states. Their community resource network is called “Sollievo” and operates throughout Indiana, with plans to expand to neighboring states.
Contact Information

For those of you who don’t know what it is, Leaders in Elder Care is a podcast-based interview series that seeks to share the great things individuals are doing to change the face of elder care. These are the entrepreneurs, politicians, advocates and caregivers who put it long days to make things better for seniors. Through Leaders in Elder Care, we give them a chance to brag a little bit about what they are doing.

Each podcast is about 20 minutes and enables our Leaders to share their vision, method, results and futures with you via an intimate, no-frills conversation.

Below is a summary of some of the great interviews we’ve had in the last week.

I would love to hear what you think. Be sure to leave a comment below and share your thoughts!

The Financier – Senior Lines of Credit

Elias Papasavvas came to the United States with nothing. His parents were robbed at gunpoint. As his parents aged, he saw the immense pressure families are put under when they need access to money for elder care and residential care. That pressure often forces people to liquidate assets at times when their value is the lowest. He combined his finance experience with a clear market need to create Elderlife Financial and invented the “senior line of credit.”

The Dreamer – Ageless Dreamer

What if you could give an elder friend or family member the dream they always wish they had? A ride on a Harley? A college diploma? A sailboat ride? Laurie Widmark and Ageless Dreamer (a non-profit) have done just that. Laurie and her team diligently review each Dream request and work hard to put smiles on faces that say “dream fufilled.” When I first heard Laurie’s story, I said to myself “This is what it is all about!” It was such an amazing interview and Ageless Dreamer is such an amazing idea.

Dementia Care – Sollievo

Ellen Dunnigan saw a critical gap missing in the market for dementia-focused home care. And boy did she fill it. Sollievo means “relief” in Italian and the mission of Sollievo is to provide just this. Sollievo is one of many alternative care models sprouting up around the country. Ellen’s view of a 360-degree care philosophy designed specifically around those who have or are impacted by dementia is really unique.